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Flinders University and the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia

Abstract

The main aim of the Chronic condition management strategies in Aboriginal communities project was to evaluate the effectiveness of tailoring mainstream chronic care management strategies to suit Indigenous clients and settings. This was achieved through assessing the health outcomes and impacts, and the sustainability of the strategies. The strategies included:

structured care planning focused on clients' problems and goals

training in chronic disease self management and management support for health staff and peer leaders

coordinated holistic team care.

Data collection involved the analysis of health service records of 36 clients involved in chronic care management over 1-10 years, and semi-structured interviews with 18 clients and 12 staff.

The research was conducted by a team from Flinders University and the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, in collaboration with Aboriginal clients and community members from Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc. and Riverland Commuity Health Service.

The authors conclude that people involved in structured chronic condition management strategies (eg care plans) improve their health and wellbeing over time. A range of barriers and enablers of chronic condition management strategies were identified and the authors highlight the importance of tailoring new initiatives to suit individual needs and local circumstances.

Tools

Related program(s)

The aim of the Chronic Condition Management (CCM) Strategies in Aboriginal Communities research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of tailoring mainstream chronic care management strategies to suit Aboriginal clients and settings.